Ask Greg
Question: Explain the difference between Weatherscope, Doppler radar, and Vipir.
Answer: WRAL WeatherScope is a joint effort with NC Supercomputing Center, NSCU Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences Department, State Climate Office of NC and Silicon Graphics, Inc. WeatherScope is a variation of the MM5 model developed to improve weather forecasts for North Carolina. For more detailed information got WRAL.COM, click on Weather, then look for the link under Weather Toolbox.
(2008-11-22)
Question: What happens if we run out of Hurricane names?
Answer: Let's hope we don't have to find out, but should they run out of names, they would begin using the Greek alphabet as names. For example, Hurricane Alpha, Hurricane Beta, Hurricane Gamma, Hurricane Delta, etc.
(2008-11-21)
Question: What is the earliest we have seen snow in the Triangle?
Answer: The earliest measurable snowfall at RDU was November 6th, 1953, 0.6 inches was recorded. A trace of snow(less that 0.01 in.) has been observed as early as October 24th, in 1887, 1903 and 1910.
(2008-11-20)
Question: Where can I find more information on local NOAA Weather Radio?
Answer: You can look to purchase a tone alert weather radio at most stores that carry electronics. For further information about NOAA Weather Radio in this area go to: http://www.erh.noaa.gov/rah/nwr/
(2008-11-19)
Question: How is ground level ozone harmful?
Answer: Ozone is an eye, upper respiratory, and mucous membrane irritant.
(2008-11-17)
Question: How is warm ocean water related to Hurricanes?
Answer: Studies have found that tropical systems required surface ocean temperatures of at least 80°F for formation and growth. This temperature relates to the instability of the atmosphere in the tropical and subtropical latitudes. Above this temperature deep convection can occur, but below this value the atmosphere is too stable and little to no thunderstorm activity develops.
(2008-11-16)
Question: Have observations at RDU been taken in the same location while at the airport?
Answer: In 1944, observations were taken near Airport Headquarters Building, then in May of '54 at the Weather Bureau Building until December '79 when the NWS moved into the Old Cargo Building near Terminal A.
(2008-11-15)
Question: What time of day is ozone highest?
Answer: Mid to late afternoon.
(2008-11-14)
Question: Are the instruments electronically read or does someone record the readings every hour?
Answer: ic weather observations are done by the Automated Weather Observing System, or ASOS, supplemented by human observation when needed.
(2008-11-13)
Question: Are fogs just ground-level clouds?
Answer: Yes, the most common kinds of fog form when humid air is cooled to its dew point, causing the water vapor to begin condensing into tiny drops. The only difference is the altitude.
(2008-11-12)
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